Types of Higher Education Institutions in Israel

There are 59 higher education institutions in Israel, which are divided into four types:

Universities – these are the largest and most prestigious institutions engaged in research and teaching at all academic levels (bachelor's, master's and doctorate) across a very wide range of disciplines. There are ten universities in Israel: The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, Bar-Ilan University, University of Haifa, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Weizmann Institute of Science, Ariel University, Open University of Israel and Reichman University. The Hebrew University was the first university established in Israel and is ranked as one of the leading universities in the world.

Academic Colleges – engaged in teaching a more limited range of disciplines, with an emphasis on applied professions, and confer only bachelor's or master's degrees. There are 36 academic colleges in Israel, some of which specialize in fields such as: education, humanities and social sciences, arts, design, music, theater, film, communications, business, management, law, medicine, dental medicine, veterinary medicine, physiotherapy, movement science, sports, agriculture, technology, engineering, architecture and more.

Professional and Practical Training Colleges – provide training and certification in specific professions without awarding academic degrees. There are eight professional and practical training colleges in Israel, some of which specialize in fields such as: tourism, cosmetology, occupational therapy, veterinary medicine, environmental studies, plant science, social work and more.

Overseas University Extensions – operate in Israel in collaboration with overseas universities and confer academic degrees from those overseas universities. There are five such institutions in Israel, some of which specialize in fields such as: business, management, law, communications, psychology, education, sociology and more.

The academic system in Israel is based on three levels of degrees: bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate (PhD). Each degree requires a number of years of study, and usually also written or research assignments. The bachelor’s degree is awarded after three or four years of study, depending on the discipline. The master’s degree is awarded after two or three years of study, with or without a thesis. The doctoral degree is awarded after four or five years of independent research under the guidance of an academic supervisor and submitting a doctoral dissertation.

In order to commence academic studies, one must pass the matriculation exam (bagrut), which is taken at the end of high school, as well as achieve a minimum score on the university entrance exam (psychometric test). Some institutions also require interviews, recommendations or a portfolio of work for admission. The academic path is also influenced by candidates’ military background, as most young people in Israel undergo mandatory military service in the army.

The cost of higher education in Israel varies according to the type of institution, field of study, and desired degree. Generally, public universities are the most affordable, while private colleges or overseas university extensions are the most expensive. As of the 2023/2024 academic year, annual university tuition stands at 11,296 ILS for a bachelor’s degree and 15,265 ILS for a master’s degree. Tuition fees at private colleges range between 35,000-42,000 ILS per year for a bachelor’s degree, and 110,000-126,000 ILS for the entire degree. There are also additional payments for services, security and the national student union.

If you are looking for ways to ease the high cost of education, you have several options, such as: applying for scholarships, participating in advancement of education programs for specific population groups, studying at institutions that offer discounts or reduced payments, online or part-time programs.

New immigrants in Israel can benefit from various programs and scholarships aimed at assisting them with higher education. The assistance includes both financial aid with tuition fees, as well as personal and academic support during their studies. The assistance is conditional on various eligibility requirements, such as: age, immigration status, institution or study program, and academic performance. Here are some resources that can help you find the suitable scholarship for you:

• Online application for assistance from the Student Authority for Advancing Immigrants – this service allows new and continuing students to apply for financial assistance and tuition scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year from the Student Authority for Advancing Immigrants.
• Eligibility conditions to receive assistance and a study scholarship – The Student Authority for Advancing Immigrants works to encourage immigration and higher education in Israel for young people from around the world. The Authority supports students even before their arrival in the country at the stage of planning their studies in Israel until the completion of their studies. The Authority provides tuition scholarships and a wide range of programs for social, personal and academic support. Below is information about eligibility conditions, assistance scopes and unique services provided to immigrant students by the Authority.
• New immigrants? You are entitled to a study scholarship and a living stipend – The Ministry of Aliyah and Integration seeks to ease young immigrant integration in Israel by providing full coverage scholarships of 100% of tuition fees for a bachelor’s, master's, courses or engineering education. This initiative is intended to help young immigrants integrate into the Israeli job market in a better starting position, equipped with a professional certification or academic degree.

We wish you a successful and fruitful study!